Not surprisingly, he usually didn't feel comfortable with his left-handed swing until after the season had started.

"It usually comes about April 10," he said. "It takes more work because it's not my natural side. But once I get it right, it's good to go."

Estrada may have his left-handed swing ready by opening day for the first time. As the regular catcher, he'll get twice as many at-bats as normal, most of them left-handed. He's not concerned about his right-handed swing, which he likened to riding a bike.

"You don't ever forget," he said.

Like Chipper Jones, Estrada says both swings are rarely working at the same time. Since most of his at-bats come from the left side, he can go for several games without swinging right-handed. Then, when he does, his left-handed swing disappears.

"My swings are totally different," he said. "Now, if I could transfer my right-handed swing to my left side, I'd hit for a lower average but I'd have more power."

SUBHEAD:Byrd eyeing quick return

Paul Byrd continues to work on improving his arm strength while aiming to begin a rehab assignment early next month. Surprisingly, he has better command of his off-speed pitches and curves now than his fastball, which is opposite of what doctors expected.

The right-hander, who underwent elbow ligament replacement surgery last summer, doesn't have a timetable for his return. But it's fair to say that if he doesn't have a setback, he should rejoin the rotation by May 1.

"My arm strength is almost back," he said. "I have soreness, but I don't have any sharp pain when I throw and that's good. My location is off right now, but it will come back."

Said manager Bobby Cox: "His off-speed stuff and breaking stuff are very good. Now it's just building up arm strength for his fastball."

Cox was asked if Byrd's speedy recovery has caused the team to reconsider its plans to hold him out of all the exhibition games and he replied, "I don't think so."

SUBHEAD:Cox narrows down starter list

Cox gave an indication of who he considers the primary candidates for the fifth starter's job by lining up Jaret Wright, Jung Bong, and Trey Hodges against the Dodgers in Vero Beach Friday. The trio will likely pitch every fifth day and the pitcher who impresses Cox and pitching coach Leo Mazzone will win the job.

Cox also announced that Russ Ortiz, named the opening day starter two days ago, will start Saturday's game against the Astros in Kissimmee and Mike Hampton will make his first start against Tampa Bay Sunday at Disney's Wide World of Sports.

SUBHEAD:Drew taking it easy

J.D. Drew is participating in outfield drills, but he's protecting his fragile right knee by skipping the morning baserunning exercises.

"That's something I've got to avoid anyway," he said. "If I get caught in one of those rundowns during the season, I'm not going to try and juke somebody. I'll just get tagged out and go back to the dugout and get yelled at."

That's not likely. The state of Drew's knee is a concern here. He underwent surgery on his patella tendon in October 2002 and missed 62 games last season. He's aiming to play in 155 games this season, 20 more than he's ever played in since breaking into the big leagues in 1998.